Effect of vegetation on the larval and adult growth performance of Aedes albopictus (Diptera: Culicidae)

Abstract

The climatic conditions are the most plausible reason for the potential outbreaks of Aedes albopictus. The effect of climate change on vegetation is expediting the mosquito breeding sites that have an impact on the larval and adult growth. Here, we compared the effects of vegetation, bamboo (Phyllostachys pubescens), cherry (Prunus×yedoensis) and beech (Castanopsis sieboldii), on the larval growth of Ae. albopictus. The highest larval mortality was observed in cherry, conversely, the lowest was in bamboo. Larval development and adult emergence of cherry and beech were slower than those of bamboo. Female body size was larger when larvae raised with the bamboo compared to cherry plants. Ae. albopictus females oviposited more eggs in bamboo vegetation, however, adults reared by cherry plants laid less amount of eggs. Per capita performance of Ae. albopictus on bamboo vegetation was higher for the population growth compared to cherry and beech. Thus, Ae. albopictus were affected by bamboo vegetation that might have influenced the larval and adult growth. Our findings suggested that bamboo plants should be avoided in future plantation programs near the urban areas, as it might harbor a potential habitat for Ae. albopictus.